Episode 13: The Big Issue About Wicked Problems

Felicia Jackson explores the interconnectedness of sustainability, systems thinking, and the role of individuals and organizations in shaping a sustainable future. This episode delves into how literacy in sustainability can empower better decision-making amidst global disruptions.Chapters03:46 What does sustainability literacy really mean?04:15 Systems thinking and sustainability: interconnected decisions06:21 The multi-dimensional nature of sustainability: environment, social, finance09:00 Prioritizing societal needs over individual or corporate interests12:14 The importance of understanding relationships and externalities18:00 Building resilience in a world of disruptions24:41 The role of disruption in revealing pathways and problems31:52 The influence of culture, markets, and inequality37:02 The power of individual roles and community action44:23 The impact and potential of AI in sustainability58:28 Regulation, accountability, and the future of AICaptions and Text are AI-generated.

In this episode, Nikola Goger, head of design at the UK Ministry of Justice, shares insights on how the government can leverage reuse and AI to improve public services. We explore strategies for scaling initiatives, building alliances, and integrating AI responsibly to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.Chapters03:01 What is gov.uk and its significance for public services03:55 The importance of reuse in government services05:09 Scale of government operations and the potential for reuse05:59 Building a reuse library and community of practice09:02 Challenges in organisational boundaries and demonstrating value12:11 Starting large-scale initiatives and gaining support14:58 The role of media, blogging, and alliances in scaling reuse18:06 Examples of reuse in onboarding and design systems20:52 Balancing standardization and innovation in service design23:52 Measuring the economic and social impact of reuse27:59 AI in government: current opportunities and future potential32:54 The UK AI for Digital Professions Conference35:51 The role of AI in transforming service delivery41:01 The future vision: AI as a seamless, integrated tool48:01 Personal AI assistants and handling complex life situations51:58 The importance of human-AI collaboration and avoiding de-skilling54:59 Agile gardening as a metaphor for experimentation and growth55:51 Final reflections and next steps in AI and reuse in governmentAl captions and transcript are AI-generated.

In this episode, we explore the transformative role of design in driving the green transition, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and shaping the future of work amidst AI advancements. Featuring Professor Christopher Smith, we delve into how large-scale investment, participatory research, and systemic design can create impactful societal change.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest03:01 The origins and motivations behind the Future Observatory07:22 Lessons learned from interdisciplinary collaboration10:11 The importance of participatory and community-driven research13:24 The challenge of measuring impact and creating durable infrastructure18:03 Embedding design across UK regions and sectors24:42 Cultural influence and the role of arts in societal change28:46 Challenges and opportunities of AI in society32:36 Designing trust and authenticity in AI environments35:57 The moral and ethical dimensions of future design55:17 The power of hope in design and societal change56:59 Advice for aspiring designers and future generations

Saeema & Melisa in conversations with Lord John Bird, co- founder of The Big Issue, discussed how we tackle poverty & homelessness. Other discussions spanned from designing with wheelchair user for wheelchair users in transport, bridging anthropology and a human-centred approach in a world with AI. Prof John Clarkson, described a systems approach to ensuring the right problems are tackled for the people using and providing healthcare services. Episode10 Inclusion in Design  Prof Pat Langdon & Michael ThomasEpisode 13 The Big Issue About Wicked Problems Lord John Bird MBE Co-founder of the Big issue.Episode 8 Bridging Anthropology & Design Dr Caitlin Robinson11 Designing Healthcare Systems Prof. John Clarkson CBE (Cambridge University)

Saeema & Melisa in conversations with the Design council, and Prof Delfina Van Ditmar and creative technologist Jude Pullen. We talked about the skill we need to design for the planet, and how can we do more than just less harm to the environment, through understanding design role in regeneration of the planet, cultures and biodiversity Episode 3 Designing for our Planet Rachel Bronstein (Design Council)Episode 6 Design | Regenerative Imagination Prof. Delfina Van DitmarEpisode 7: Creative Technology & Nature Jude Pullen

Saeema & Melisa  explore- and through their conversations with Clive Grinyer, one of the founders of Tangerine, and creative technologist Jude Pullen -  how design and it methods and thinking provides value beyond design products and service, but also reframing thinking and how we teach materials and nature to children.Episode 1 Why Design Matters: An Introduction Co-host Melisa Leñero & Prof. Saeema Ahmed-KristensenEpisode 2 Design Beyond Products co -host Melisa Leñero & Prof. Saeema Ahmed-KristensenEpisode 4 Lipstick on the Pig & Project Love Clive Grinyer (service design)

Saeema & Melisa in conversations with entrepreneur Dr Sam Bailey and the co-founders of See.sense, Irene McAleese & Philip McAleese . We talked about how we can identify key problems from data, using AI in products to prevent fires, and using reusing data for behaviour change. London Green City co-founder John Kermath  talked through what is needed for start-ups to scale drawing upon his experience from US. This season 1 compilation includes: Episode 5: Data-Driven Entrepreneurship Dr Sam Bailey (SKYRAD)Episode 9: The Value of Data in Cycling Irene McAleese & Philip McAleese (See.Sense)Episode 12: Defining Success in Entrepreneurship John Kermath (London Green City)

In this episode, we explore social entrepreneurship, wicked problems like homelessness, and the importance of redesigning societal thinking with Lord John Bird, co-founder of The Big Issue. Discover insights on prevention, humanising those in need, and systemic change.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship and Poverty02:42 The Big Issue: A Solution to Homelessness10:16 Designing a Magazine for Change17:43 Engaging the Homeless Community21:06 Preventive Strategies Against Poverty28:09 Revolutionising Thinking in Social Issues31:15 Transformative Health Interventions35:05 Rethinking Poverty and Health37:21 Custodial Sentences and Societal Views45:41 Redesigning Emergency Responses53:49 The Role of Society in Crime Prevention58:32 Designing for a Better Future

In this episode, John Kermath shares his extensive experience supporting startups, from superconductors to green city initiatives. The discussion covers navigating market needs, the importance of talking to customers, ecosystem development, and the value of fearless entrepreneurship.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Innovation02:45 Challenges in Commercialising Technology06:42 Understanding Market Needs and Customer Engagement12:26 Identifying Market Opportunities and Co-Creation16:43 The Role of London Green City21:02 Navigating Pivots and Strategic Decisions23:34 Defining Success in the Startup Ecosystem25:03 Comparing Risk Appetite: UK vs. US26:52 Key Components of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem30:01 Identifying Market Needs and Entrepreneurial Opportunities32:21 Challenges in Commercialising Technologies37:45 Building Ecosystems: Green Town Labs and Beyond41:43 Comparing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: Boston vs. London43:18 Cultural Shifts: Embracing Risk and Failure48:22 Advice for Aspiring EntrepreneursCaptions are AI-generated

In this insightful episode, Saeema, Melisa and John Clarkson, CBE  Professor of Engineering Design, University of Cambridge discuss the integration of systems thinking and engineering design in healthcare. He shares practical approaches to understanding complex healthcare systems, engaging stakeholders, and designing patient-centred solutions.Captions are AI GeneratedChapters00:00 Introduction to Design and Systems Thinking02:55 The Role of Systems Thinking in Healthcare05:47 Engineering Better Care: A Systems Approach08:54 Raising Awareness and Building Systems Leadership11:35 The Improvement Canvas: Defining Problems14:32 Engaging Stakeholders in Healthcare Design17:50 Delight and Disgust in Palliative Care20:36 Understanding Patient Journeys and Healthcare Pathways23:45 The Importance of Experience in Healthcare29:00 The Poetic Side of Design29:58 Co-Designing with Users34:10 Understanding the Problem38:06 Iterative Design Process42:31 The Role of Stories in Healthcare50:49 Rethinking Healthcare SystemsResources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/p-john-clarkson-42652a1/https://www-edc.eng.cam.ac.uk/people/p-john-clarkson-cbe-freng